Shloka 5

Matsya Purana — Yayāti’s Rule

Devanagari script

अतिथीनन्नपानैश्च विशश्च प्रतिपालनैः आनृशंस्येन शूद्रांश्च दस्यून्निग्रहणेन च //

Transliteration

atithīnannapānaiśca viśaśca pratipālanaiḥ ānṛśaṃsyena śūdrāṃśca dasyūnnigrahaṇena ca //

Translation

He should honor guests with food and drink, protect the common people by proper guardianship, treat Śūdras with compassion, and restrain bandits (dasyu) through firm control.

Word by Word

• atithīn: guests

• annapānaiḥ: with food and drink (provisions and beverages)

• ca: and

• viśaḥ: the people/subjects (the common folk)

• pratipālanaiḥ: by protection, fostering, and good administration

• ānṛśaṃsyena: with non-cruelty, kindness, compassion

• śūdrān: Śūdras (laboring/service community)

• dasyūn: robbers, bandits, lawless raiders

• nigrahaṇena: by restraint, suppression, punishment/control

• ca: and

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu on kingship and governance)

Entities Mentioned

• Atithi (guest)
• Viś (subjects/people)
• Śūdra
• Dasyu (bandits)

Tags

• Rajadharma
• Kingship
• Hospitality
• Protection of subjects
• Law and order

FAQs

What does this verse reveal about the creation or dissolution (Pralaya)?

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it focuses on ethical governance (rajadharma): hospitality, protection of subjects, compassion toward dependents, and suppression of criminality.

How does this verse relate to the duties of a King or Householder?

It outlines core royal duties—supporting guests, safeguarding the populace, humane treatment of vulnerable groups, and maintaining law and order. For householders, it reinforces atithi-sevā (hosting guests) and ahiṃsā/compassion as everyday dharma.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-architecture rule is stated here; the closest ritual-ethical element is atithi-pūjā through offering food and drink, treated as a dharmic observance in itself.